Giannina Arangi-Lombardi

Giannina Arangi-Lombardi (June 20, 1891, Marigliano - July 9, 1951, Milan) was an Italian operatic soprano, particularly associated with the Italian repertory.

After studies in Naples with B. Carelli, she made her debut in Rome in 1920, singing for three years mezzo-soprano roles. After further studies with Adelina Stehle and Poli-Randaccio, she made a second debut as a soprano in 1923.

She sang at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan from 1924 to 1930, making her debut as Elena in Boito 's "Mefistofele", under Arturo Toscanini. Rapidly invited in all the great opera houses of Europe, although she never appeared in Paris or London, she also sang to great acclaim in South America. She was chosen by Nellie Melba for her farewell tour of Australia in 1928.

Arangi-Lombardi was especially renowned in roles such as "La Vestale", "Lucrezia Borgia", "La Gioconda", and "Aida". She sang in the creation in Italy of "Ariadne auf Naxos".

She retired while still in her prime and taught at the Music Conservatory in Milan, and later in Ankara, where she had famed soprano Leyla Gencer as a pupil.

Arangi-Lombardi applied a bel canto technique at the service of a beautiful and grand voice in a way that was rare in Mediterranean sopranos of her time, who tended to be schooled in verismo methods. She can be heard to impressive effect in a few complete opera recordings notably; "La Gioconda", "Aida", and "Mefistofele", opposite the famous bass Nazzareno de Angelis.

ources

* "Le guide de l'opéra, les indispensables de la musique", R. Mancini & J-J. Rouvereux, (Fayard, 1986), ISBN 2-213-01563-6